If you are requested to undergo an independent medical examination (IME) after applying for long-term disability benefits, the purpose of the examination is typically to undervalue or completely discredit your claim.
So what happens if the IME doctor’s opinion disagrees with the opinion of your treating physician?
Here’s what you need to know:
Your Case Doesn’t End Due to Different Opinions
Just because the IME doctor does not agree with the diagnosis your treating physician provided, that does not mean your case is over.
In fact, it is very common for IME doctors to have different opinions than treating physicians. Some of the reasons why this can happen are because:
- The IME physician reviewed different records than your treating doctor
- The IME doctor follows different treatment plans than your treating physician
When there are differences of opinion regarding your condition, the insurance company will side with whichever report they deem the most credible. Unfortunately, long-term disability insurance companies will almost always side with the IME doctors they hire. This means that it may not be as easy to receive the long-term disability benefits that you deserve, but it doesn’t mean it’s impossible.
Weakening the IME Doctor’s Report
There are ways you can reduce the amount of weight an IME report will have on your case, such as:
- Recalling the length of your visit with the IME doctor as well as what they said and did during the examination.
- Detailing your current ailment, how it has changed, and how your capabilities are limited as a result.
An IME report will lose credibility if the physician simply had one short visit with you or didn’t do much to examine your condition or ask you pertinent questions. The physician treating you has seen you several times, which means they should better understand your injuries.
Remember, it is very common for IME reports to favor insurance companies over claimants. This is why having a skilled long-term disability attorney on your side can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.
Call Dabdoub Law Firm today at (800) 969-0488 to speak with an attorney about your case.
